4 members set off from the car wearing a
number of layers of clothing due to the very cold winds sweeping
across the fells. However, it was not far into the walk when these
layers had to be removed as the sun broke through the clouds causing
a dramatic rise in temperature that stayed with us for the rest of
the day.

The route taken had an unusual start to say the least, passing right
through the middle of Shap Blue quarry where blue granite is
quarried, and skirting Shap Pink quarry where pink granite is
quarried. These granites were formed over 400 million years ago when
the landscape was very barren and volcanic.

Once past Pink quarry we climbed quite steeply from Wasdale head
turning sharp left in search of a gate in the fence which was only
just over the horizon according to the leader! From here we climbed
up to Wasdale Pike the first of Wainwright’s outlying fells to be
conquered on this walk. From hear there were splendid views in all
directions.

The words “It’s not far from here to the next summit” rolled from
the leaders lips in a Geordie accent as he sped off across the fell
top towards Great Yarlside the second outlying fell to be visited.
The summit here is very ill defined with no cairn marking the spot.
From here Harrop Pike could be seen in the distance on the horizon,
so we decided to get the final climb out of the way before stopping
there for lunch.

Unusually Harrop Pike is not listed as one of Wainwright’s outlying
fells and why not only he could say, as there is not only a splendid
cairn marking the summit, but also splendid views can be had from
here north west across Mosedale to Selside and Branstree with High
Street in the distance and west to the Kentmere Horseshoe summits.
One can only presume that it is that Sleddale Fell is so close by
that Wainwright chose not to list this worthy summit.

As we dropped down from Harrop Pike deer could be seen heading over
Ulthwaite Rigg. The route here crossed over very peaty ground, which
was surprisingly dry on one side* of the fence! reaching Mosedale
Beck where we joined the main path running out of the valley.
However, the leader had one last surprise up his sleeve which was to
make a slight diversion to bag High Weather Howe the last of the
outer fell summits on the route. Again there were splendid views
from here making the diversion well worth while!

As our walk was almost at an end passing Wet Sleddale Reservoir on
the north side we could see the 4’s group coming to the end of their
walk on the south side. What organisation!

*Editor's note: The drier side of the fence was, of course, the
one that the ladies chose, leaving the men having to make detours
around peat bogs - one of which they photographed (below)!!!!!!!

Scroll down to see photos of the walk

Extra layers needed as we prepare to set off

Ian takes us through the stunning landscape of the Shap Blue Quarry, passing the
'Three Peaks' (of the roofline) . . .

and the signpost ensures that we head in the right direction . . .

past the North face of 'Mt Aggregate' clearly seen in the morning sunshine

More stunning scenery . . .

and directions to help us on our way . . .

and onto a 'more usual' path

Heading along the path to Wasdale Pike . . .

we eventually reach the gate that was 'just around the corner' . . .

and Karen points out landmarks from the summit

The rocks provide a good spot for our morning break . . .

before a good trek brings us to Harrop Pike . . .

where we stop for lunch

Ian and Kath check out a possible path down . . .

but we stick to the one planned, with views across Mosedale - the cottage can
just be seen in the centre

The men choose the 'drier!!!!!' side of the fence

An unplanned detour takes us to High Wether Howe . . .

where the wind nearly blows us over

The track to Wet Sleddale Reservoir . . .

but we stay on the north side . . .

from where we have a good view of the dam

Almost back to the car and we spot the Fours group returning to their parking
spot at the Reservoir